The use of camera systems for the enforcement of red light violations at signalized intersections is increasingly widespread in the United States. State and local agencies have found that the use of red light camera systems can reduce red light running by motorists and, more importantly, reduce the number of crashes attributable to red light violations. A recent synthesis of literature on the safety impacts of red light camera systems found that there was “…a preponderance of evidence, albeit not conclusive, indicating that red light running camera systems improve the overall safety of intersections where they are used…angle crashes are usually reduced, and, in some situations, rear-end crashes increase, but to a lesser extent.” Furthermore, a recent study of red light camera systems in seven jurisdictions throughout the US confirmed that these systems are likely to reduce right-angle crashes but can increase rearend crashes. However, the systems were found to provide an economic benefit of $28,000 to $50,000 at a treated site when considering the economic cost of crashes by crash type. The reduction in the number of crashes is especially important as crashes caused by motorists running red lights are, on the average, more deadly and damaging than other types of crashes at signalized intersections. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist jurisdictions who are considering the implementation of red light camera systems and help them avoid inconsistent or incorrect application of such systems. Questions have been raised regarding the contracting, design, implementation, operation of red light camera systems, and the legality and intent of photo enforcement systems. In a broader perspective, for continued use of red light camera systems and other technologies to improve transportation operations and safety, it is vital these technologies are perceived as accurate and reliable and are applied fairly. Red light cameras are currently in place in more than 95 communities in the United States. As red light camera programs continue to be implemented across the nation, there is much to be learned from previous experiences. Traffic engineers, law enforcement officials, and other State and local agency managers can benefit greatly from guidance and research that provides effective and comprehensive procedures for implementing a successful red light camera program. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have developed this operational guideline for use by State and local agencies for the implementation and operation of red light camera systems. Although not a regulatory requirement, the guideline is intended to provide critical information for State and local agencies on relevant aspects of red light camera systems in order to promote consistency, proper implementation, and operation; and to ensure that this effective tool and other forms of technology remain available to transportation and enforcement agencies around the nation. This guideline can be used by State and local agency managers, transportation engineers, and law enforcement officials to identify and properly address safety problems resulting from red light running within their jurisdiction. This guideline outlines proven and effective practices implemented in the United States, and provides operational guidance that can be followed to ensure that cost-effective solutions are implemented by State and local agencies. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has issued Making Intersections Safer: A Toolbox of Factors and Countermeasures to Prevent Red Light Running that discusses in detail many of the issues and practices identified in this document. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting